www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Whenever I have stayed at the Amistad, it has always been an enjoyable experience. I have to admit I didn't have much contact with the other guests though they seemed pleasant and friendly enough, definitely no negative vibes.

As far as the bartenders go, they provided great service. My drink or meal order was taken quickly and my food was served as soon as it was ready from the kitchen. I guess I don't know what else one should expect from a bartender / server.

Lol. This post made me come out of hibernation/Luker mode.

I was 29 years old on my first trip to CR. Now I am 42. A lot closer to the bitter old men these days.

OP.....you will eventually get there. No one escapes.

I have stayed at LA many times. The bar area is like a Frat house with everybody joking, bragging about their latest conquest or talking about what they were doing that night. I have never seen anyone shunned. In fact, I would say I have seen many friendships develop in the bar area.

When most of my friends visit Costa Rica they stay at La Amistad. They always meet people and we show up and get introduced to their new friends. I have never seen anyone not having a good time at the bar.

the difference is you should stay at Sportsmens

I just returned a couple of weeks ago and stayed at Castillo as I have done for many many years. While the Castillo was being remodeled I stayed other places but liked La Amistad best. When the Castillo reopened I returned to my old friend and have been very happy. As to the comments on Carol I have always received great service from her and everyone else at both hotels. Sometimes Carol or Ruti get very busy and sometimes things are a little slow but never because they are slow, they are just very busy. It is Costa Rica, relax and enjoy.

Yeah, Costa Rica got my wings wet, but I've graduated and I'm moving on to greener pastures. Thank you for everything you did for me Rudy, and I will always remember you and carry your Spirit with me long after you're gone. God bless you Rudy. I'm still here!

I have stayed at both.

Only complaints I had with them are: Amistad: the damn train. Castillo: rarely any activity at the bar.

Other than that, no complaints here. I prefer SL if I can get a room in the Mansion part.

Usually stay at Sportsmens but on my last trip tried Amistad for two nights, simply hated it. Bar is small, had to listen to the trains passing by, barely any action at night so ended up walking back down to Sportsmens. Food was excellant but that was about it. One night I walked over to Castillo to check it out and it was dead with a only a trio of 65+ older gentlemen at the bar. I honestly could not recommend either, try Taormina or Sportsmens.

Irrelevant. Come stay at either, or Sportsmen's or HDR. Flip a coin.

Once here, find poontang, return to hotel room, engage. Repeat 2x to 3x per day.

You won't remember much about the hotel, just the bed in it...

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Don't try to understand 'em, just rope 'em down and brand 'em...

Which one has the best food?? (all inclusive for a measly $10 is nothing.. honored at both properties) I will be staying (for my first time) at Hotel Castillo in about 3 weeks.. but my first trip (of about eight) were all (partially spent) at La Amistad and I will definitely be 'bouncing' between the two because I truly LOVE the staff at La Amistad (I can can hardly wait to see them all again)! ps (for some of you 'new' dummies)... it is Karol with a K. Those of us who know her well.. also can (at least) spell her name right.

The Chicken Parm at the Castillo is better than at the Amistad. The menus other than that are different for the most part. I have had nothing bad at either.

if you like Chicken Parm, try it a Chubbs...

+1000

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If you see me at the bottom, please bring me my running shoes!